Tips for a Successful Photo Shoot

‘Tis the season where we all start thinking about the beloved/hated family photo shoot! For some it’s fun to plan and take part in, for others it’s a necessary evil…regardless of which camp you’re in I have some important tips for you to ensure that it’s successful.

BEFORE THE SHOOT

#1 Make Sure You Hire The Right Photographer

There’s a lot of things to consider when you’re choosing a photographer (i.e. price, talent and style) but when it comes to a family photo session with little kids make sure that the person you hire has plenty of experience working with children. It’s nerve-racking enough to get everyone in the right outfits and in the right mood, so your photographer should put you at ease not increase your anxiety. They should make you feel like your children can do no wrong. Kids cry. Kids misbehave. Kids rarely smile when you ask them to. It’s okay! They’re kids.

#2 Feed The ~~Animals~~ Kids

Hungry kids = cranky kids. Feed them before your session and bring snacks too. Think of other things that you might need to be prepared for. As a photographer I carry bug spray in the summer and kleenex all year round…be prepared!

DURING THE SHOOT

#3 Formal Pictures First

If your photographer doesn’t have a set plan, ask if you can do the formal pictures first. The kids are typically best behaved right in the beginning and the most willing to sit still longer. They’re also the most curious as to who the photographer is so they are more willing to actually look at the camera!

#4 Play!!!

This is my favorite part. I highly recommend that you choose a photographer that can shoot ‘lifestyle’ photography when you have little kids. The reality is that they inevitably won’t do what you want them to…so just photograph them being themselves.

This little guy was done posing in Dad’s arms and I happened to have a giggling Elmo in my camera bag that he wanted to hang out with